VPLS (Virtual Private LAN Service) and VXLAN (Virtual Extensible LAN) are two different technologies used for creating virtual LANs in a network.
VPLS is a Layer 2 VPN (Virtual Private Network) technology that allows the creation of a virtual LAN across a wide area network (WAN).
It provides an extension of the Layer 2 network across the WAN, allowing the customers to connect their LANs at different locations and appear as a single bridged LAN. VPLS uses MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) for forwarding and label switching.
On the other hand, VXLAN is a Layer 2 overlay network that provides a way to extend Layer 2 networks over Layer 3 networks. VXLAN uses a 24-bit VXLAN header to encapsulate Ethernet frames inside UDP packets.
It allows for the creation of a virtual Layer 2 network over a Layer 3 network and is often used in data center environments.
The main difference between VPLS and VXLAN is their approach to creating virtual LANs. VPLS extends Layer 2 networks across a WAN using MPLS, while VXLAN creates a Layer 2 overlay network over a Layer 3 network using UDP encapsulation.
Additionally, VXLAN is often used in data center environments, while VPLS is typically used in service provider networks.
